One of the most influential people in human history, Charles Robert Darwin (1809-1882) was an English naturalist, geologist and biologist best known for his contributions to the science of evolution.  His proposition that all species of life have descended over time from common ancestors is now widely accepted, and considered a foundational concept in science. 

Darwin published his theory of evolution in his 1859 book On the Origin of Species. This went through numerous editions which he revised, making all early editions highly collectible. Other notable works by him include: Narrative of the Surveying Voyages of … The Beagle (1839); The Descent of Man, in relation to Sex (1871) - Darwin here uses the word ‘evolution’ for the first time; and The Expression of the Emotions (1872).